ciprofloxacin hydrochloride + dexamethasone at a glance
Medicine class
Fluoroquinolone antibiotic plus corticosteroid
Licensed use
Acute bacterial infection of the outer ear canal
Form
Prescription-only ear-drop suspension; shake before use
Administration
Warm the closed bottle in your hands and keep the affected ear facing upwards after application
What is ciprofloxacin hydrochloride + dexamethasone used for?
This product is licensed for:
Acute otitis externa, a bacterial infection and inflammation of the outer ear canal, in adults and children aged one year and over.
How does ciprofloxacin hydrochloride + dexamethasone work?
Ciprofloxacin blocks bacterial enzymes needed to copy and repair DNA, killing susceptible bacteria. Dexamethasone changes inflammatory gene activity, reducing swelling, redness and irritation in the ear canal.
ciprofloxacin hydrochloride + dexamethasone preparations and strengths
Ear drops
Route: Otic
Strengths: 3 mg/mL + 1 mg/mL
How to take ciprofloxacin hydrochloride + dexamethasone
For use in the ear only. Follow the prescription label and pack leaflet.
Wash your hands, warm the closed bottle in your hands and shake it well.
Lie with the affected ear facing upwards. Avoid touching the dropper tip against the ear, fingers or other surfaces.
Gently pull the outer ear upwards and backwards after applying the drops, then remain on your side.
Close the bottle tightly after use. Do not put the drops in the eyes, swallow, inhale or inject them.
ciprofloxacin hydrochloride + dexamethasone side effects
Common or expected effects
- Ear pain
Get urgent medical advice
- Signs of a severe allergy, including hives, breathing difficulty or swelling of the face, mouth or throat
- New tendon pain, swelling or inflammation
- Blurred vision or another new visual disturbance
ciprofloxacin hydrochloride + dexamethasone in pregnancy
Use during pregnancy is not advised unless clearly necessary and the prescriber judges that the expected benefit outweighs potential fetal risk. Seek product-specific advice before starting or continuing treatment.
ciprofloxacin hydrochloride + dexamethasone while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether use in the ear produces enough ciprofloxacin or dexamethasone in breast milk to affect a baby, and risk cannot be excluded. Tell the prescriber if breastfeeding.
ciprofloxacin hydrochloride + dexamethasone interactions
Specific interaction studies have not been performed. Systemic exposure after use in the ear is low, so clinically important pharmacokinetic interactions are considered unlikely.
Warfarin and related oral anticoagulants
Systemic quinolones can increase anticoagulant effects, although a clinically important interaction is unlikely with these ear drops because ciprofloxacin exposure is low.
Cyclosporine
Temporary creatinine increases have occurred with systemic quinolones, but a clinically important interaction is unlikely after use in the ear.
Theophylline and other methylxanthines
Oral ciprofloxacin can slow their metabolism, but a clinically important effect is unlikely after use in the ear.
Common questions about ciprofloxacin hydrochloride + dexamethasone
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can it be used in the eye?
No. It is for use in the ear only and must not be put in the eye, swallowed, inhaled or injected.
Why must the bottle be shaken?
It is a suspension, so shaking redistributes the ingredients before application.
Why should the bottle be warmed before use?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.